© UNICEF UK/Maule-Ffinch

BUILDING A HAPPY BABY

A GUIDE FOR PARENTS
A LITTLE BIT OF SCIENCE
New babies have a strong need to be close to their parents, as this helps
them to feel secure and loved. When babies feel secure, they release a
hormone called oxytocin. This acts like a fertiliser for their growing brain,
helping them to be happy babies and more confident children and adults.
Holding, smiling and talking to your baby also releases oxytocin in you,
which helps you to feel calm and happy.

MY TH R E AL I TY

Babies become spoilt and When babies’ needs for love and
demanding if they are given comfort are met, they will be
too much attention. calmer and grow up to be more
confident.

New babies have a

strong need to be close
to their parents, as
this helps them to feel
secure and loved.
© UNICEF UK/Maule-Ffinch

2 BUILDING A HAPPY BABY: A GUIDE FOR PARENTS

GETTING STARTED
During pregnancy, your baby’s brain is growing very quickly. You can help
this growth by taking some time out to relax and talk to your baby, to
stroke your bump, and maybe play some music. Encourage other close
family members to do the same.

You can help your baby’s brain development during pregnancy by

talking, reading, stroking and playing music.
© UNICEF UK/Maule-Ffinch

BUILDING A HAPPY BABY: A GUIDE FOR PARENTS 3

MEETING YOUR BABY FOR THE
FIRST TIME
After your baby is born, hold them against your skin as soon as possible
and for as long as you want. This will calm them and give you both the
chance to rest, keep warm and get to know each other.

If you want to breastfeed, this is a great time to start, as your baby

might move towards the breast and work out the best way to suckle.
Breastfeeding also releases lots of oxytocin in baby and mother, which will
help you to feel close and connected.

If you choose to bottle feed, giving the first feed in skin contact while
holding your baby close and looking into their eyes will also help you both
to bond.
© UNICEF UK/Maule-Ffinch

4 BUILDING A HAPPY BABY: A GUIDE FOR PARENTS

EARLY DAYS
Keep your baby close to you so that you start to recognise the signals they
make to tell you they are hungry or want a cuddle. Responding to these
signals will make your baby feel safe. Cuddling your baby next to your skin
allows them to smell you and hear your heartbeat, which will comfort and
calm them. This will also help you to feel calm and relaxed and will help
with breastfeeding.

Breastfed babies cannot be overfed, so you can use breastfeeding to

soothe your baby and as a way of spending time together or having a rest
whenever you both want.

If you are bottle feeding, hold your baby close during feeds and look into
their eyes. Learn to notice their cues that they want to be fed and when
they have had enough. If you and your partner try and give most of the
feeds yourselves, this will help build up a close and loving bond with your
baby. Continuing skin-to-skin contact can calm and comfort you both at
any time.

MY TH R E AL I TY

It’s important to get babies Young babies are not capable of

into a routine, as this makes
your life easier.
learning a routine. Responding
to their cues for feeding and
comfort makes babies feel
secure, so they cry less, which
makes your life easier too.

BUILDING A HAPPY BABY: A GUIDE FOR PARENTS 5

FINDING YOUR RHYTHM
Having a new baby can be challenging. However, as time goes by, you will
start to understand what your baby needs. This will help you settle into a
rhythm that is right for you both.

Responding to your baby’s needs for food and comfort will not only support
their brain development, but will also help them feel secure. This will help
them to cry less, which makes your life easier too. Holding your baby when
they are crying helps them to feel loved and secure, even if they don’t stop
crying straight away.

Research shows that babies who are responded to in this way grow into
more confident toddlers who are better able to deal with being away from
their parents temporarily, rather than becoming clingy and spoilt. This again
can help make life less stressful for you.

MY TH R E AL I TY

You should leave babies to Babies who are responsively

settle alone so that they learn cared for will feel more
to be independent. secure when away from their
caregiver.

Slings and parent-facing prams can help make your baby feel
secure.

6 BUILDING A HAPPY BABY: A GUIDE FOR PARENTS

 MY TH R E AL I TY

Babies benefit from lots of Looking at your face is the

toys to help them learn. best way for babies to learn.
Talking, listening and smiling
triggers oxytocin and helps
your baby’s brain to grow.
© UNICEF UK/Jennings

Finally, it can be reassuring to know that, despite all the pressure to

buy expensive equipment and toys for your new baby, you don’t really
need to spend lots of money. What matters to your baby and their future
development is having parents who love and care for them.

Becoming a new parent can be wonderful, but it can also be difficult.

Persistent crying might indicate that your baby is unwell. Speak to
your midwife or health visitor if you have any worries about being a
new parent.

BUILDING A HAPPY BABY: A GUIDE FOR PARENTS 7

UNICEF AND THE
BABY FRIENDLY INITIATIVE
UNICEF, the United Nations Children’s Fund, works to build a better world for every child, every
day, everywhere. UNICEF provides more children with clean water, life-saving food and vaccines,
education and protection from violence than any other humanitarian organisation. UNICEF works
with families, local communities, organisations and governments in more than 190 countries to
help every child realise their full potential. In everything we do, the most vulnerable children and
those in greatest need have priority.

UNICEF is a multilateral child-rights organisation established by the UN with 70 years of field-

tested expertise, a network that spans the globe, a passion for innovation and a commitment
to make every penny count. Impartial and non-political, UNICEF is never neutral when it comes
to protecting children’s rights and safeguarding their lives and futures. UNICEF works in some
of the world’s toughest places, reaching the furthest from help, the most disadvantaged and
the most at risk. UNICEF saves children’s lives with vaccines, clean water and therapeutic food.
UNICEF protects children from violence, exploitation and abuse. And UNICEF helps children fulfil
their potential by supporting quality education and training. UNICEF works for every child, to build
a better world for everyone.

UNICEF IN THE UK
The United Kingdom Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK) is a registered charity that raises
funds for UNICEF’s emergency and development work around the world and advocates for
lasting change for children worldwide. This includes, for example, working to change UK
Government policies and practices that are harmful to child rights in the UK and internationally.
UNICEF UK is one of 33 UNICEF national charitable organisations based in industrialised
countries. In the UK, UNICEF UK works with the hospitals where children are born, the schools
where children learn and grow, and the services that shape their lives, to make sure that every
child has the same chance to shine.

Support UNICEF today to help our work for every child,

to build a better world for everyone.

unicef.org.uk/babyfriendly
Last updated: July 2023
Cover photo: ©UNICEF/Maule-Ffinch
United Kingdom Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK), Registered Charity
No. 1072612 (England & Wales), SC043677 (Scotland).